DelDOT plans to work through the night to battle winter storm

Thursday

Jan 2, 2014 at 4:37 PM

As a winter storm arrives in Delaware, state Department of Transportation personnel are planning to work through the night, if necessary, to make the roads as safe as possible for the Friday morning commute.

Staff Reports

As a winter storm arrives in Delaware, state Department of Transportation personnel are planning to work through the night, if necessary, to make the roads as safe as possible for the Friday morning commute.

According to DelDOT officials, after spending the day pre-treating the roads with salt and salt brine, crews in Kent and New Castle counties will remain at work. They will be staging the plows throughout the state so they can quickly respond as soon as the snow starts to fall.

In Sussex County, DelDOT crews will be allowed to go home, but are expected to be called back to work around 10 p.m. Supervisors will remain at work, monitoring road conditions.

With the expected high winds and low temperatures, officials said drifting may become a major challenge, with the snow blowing back onto roads that have already been plowed.

Because the approaching storm will be accompanied by very cold temperatures that could create icy road conditions, DelDOT urges motorists to limit travel to essential trips, allow plenty of time to reach destinations, drive with lights on, wear warm clothing and carry a fully-charged cell phone with contact information for someone who can be called for help in case of a roadside emergency. In addition, motorists should make sure their vehicle has at least a half tank of fuel.